Fitting tributes paid to Samarendra on death anniversary
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 10 2012: Offering of floral tribute, recitation, memorial lectures, literary events and sports meets marked the 12th death anniversary observance of Arambam Samarendra at different places of the State and beyond.

While the main event was held at Khurai Salanthong, where the multifaceted figure was gunned down while attending a public function, different organisations organised the observance at their respective places.

Organised by Samarendra Memorial Trust, Imphal artistes of All Manipur Matam Eshei Kanglup presented songs as a tribute to the martyred soul while members of Kangjabi Meitei chanu Artist cum Drama Association presented Moirang Prava at the Khurai Salanthong observance.

A painting competition was also held at the venue.

At JN Manipur Dance Academy, where a memorial lecture was held Seven Sisters Post editor Subir Bhaumik noted that inspite of over 60 years since the British left South East Asia, separatist movement in the North Eastern region by insurgent groups to regain independence from Indian rule is yet to materialise.

Tributes paid to the bust of Samarendra at Khurai Salanthong

Apart from the noted journalist, writer Kaka D Iralu of Nagaland and Human Rights activist Babloo Loitongbam were the other participants of the 7th Arambam Samarendra Memorial Lecture which was presided by MU Prof W Nabakumar.

Subir Bhaumik also observed that even after decades of end of World War II battles are being fought in the North East region with India continuing to presume that the region is a 'problem child' of the Indian republic.

speaking on the topic 'Northeast : A thousand Assertive Ethnicities', he also covered on the problems in the region, conflict situation, insurgency and human rights violations.

staging of plays and cultural items were the other highlight of the observance at the Academy.

Till late evening information has been received of the observance held at JN Manipur Dance Academy, Tera, Kangmong, Lainingthou Puthiba Shanglen (Khurai), Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen (Palace Compound), Kongba Kshetri leikai, Khongman Mangjil, Heirok Laibung, Wabagai Awang Leikai, Pole Star College (Wabagai), Bishnupur bazar, Toubul, Kondong Lairembi Haraobung (Moreh), Jiribam Town Hall, Sahitya Parishad Shanglen (Hojai, Assam) and North East Academy (Assam).

The observance was also held today at the New Checkon office of Patriotic Writers' Forum Manipur.

As chief guest of the observance, Prof IS Khaidem recounted contributions of Samarendra in the field of art, culture and literature of Manipur.

Prof Khaidem also proposed that literary works of Samarendra be preserve for reference by the future generation.

As functional president, Forum president Sagolsem Indrakumar presented a detailed account on Arambam Samarendra as a writer.

As apart of the event, the second edition of 'Collected Papers on the History of Manipur' a joint endeavour by Saroj N Parat and John Parat was also released by the chief guest.